Lantern walk

Last weekend Aloka's Waldorf playgroup did a lantern walk to celebrate the changing of the seasons. The concept is to bring light to the darkness of the longer nights.
The children made lanterns, and then last thursday evening all the families and children got together for chili and cornbread, and then we went outside and sang songs around a little bonfire.

Then we went on our beautiful lantern walk singing uplifting songs throughout the neighborhood.
It was so fun to see faces peeking out of the windows, looking at our magical lanterns lighting up the night, and the songs filling the air.


Dena had decorated the entire outside of her house with little paper bag lanterns. They were everywhere; brown paper bags filled with sand and a tea light candle, lining the sidewalk, stairs and the trail to the back of the house. It was such a magical sight to see when we pulled up.
I'm so glad Aloka gets to experience this! It's so much more than just a playgroup or a preschool. It's a community, and the parents we're meeting all have a like minded approach to raising their children, honouring their creativity, play, and imaginations. And valuing the importance of rituals in life. Waldorf very much emphasizes celebrations, festivals, gatherings and community in regards to raising our children.

SO, after the lantern walk, and after most everyone went home, Josh was still talking with Dena's husband Noah, while Aloka, Reya and Tillian (Dena's and Noah's children) played some music. Here are a couple cute video's of that!

And here's some funny photos of it too. Dena's son Tillian also has an electric guitar and Aloka seems to be a natural musician.